[Atheroma and calcium antagonists]

Calcic ions play a role in the initial and chronic development of atherosclerosis lesions. Demonstration of anti atherogenic properties of calcium antagonists has open a new therapeutic approach of atherosclerosis and of its complications. Mechanism of protection remains unclear but it is essentially a preventive effect requiring very early administration before onset of lesions. Several experimental studies have shown that calcium antagonists could reduce cholesterol content of arterial wall without any modification of lipid plasma or profile. Several other mechanisms have been proposed but none of them can actually explain the observed preventive effect of these drugs. The clinical relevance in human of such a preventive effect of calcium antagonists requires further investigations.